Biography
Stephen Francis Lynch, born on March 31, 1955, in South Boston, Massachusetts, is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, serving Massachusetts's 8th congressional district since 2013. Raised in the public housing projects of South Boston, he is the son of Francis Lynch, an ironworker, and Anne Lynch, a postal clerk. After graduating from South Boston High School in 1973, Lynch entered the Ironworkers Apprenticeship Program and worked alongside his father as a member of Boston's Ironworkers Local 7. He became the union's youngest president at age 30. Transitioning from labor to law, Lynch earned a law degree and served in both the Massachusetts House of Representatives and State Senate before being elected to Congress in 2001.
Education
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Bachelor of Science in Construction Management: Wentworth Institute of Technology, 1988
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Juris Doctor: Boston College Law School, 1991
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Master's in Public Administration: Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, 1999
Political Experience
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Massachusetts House of Representatives: Elected in 1994, representing the 4th Suffolk district.
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Massachusetts State Senate: Elected in 1996, representing the 1st Suffolk district; served as Chair of the Joint Committee on Commerce and Labor.
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U.S. House of Representatives:
- Elected in 2001 to represent Massachusetts's 9th congressional district.
- Following redistricting, has represented Massachusetts's 8th congressional district since 2013.
- Serves on the Financial Services Committee, including as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence.
- Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Co-founder of the Congressional Labor and Working Families Caucus.
Notable Achievements
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Labor Advocacy: As a former ironworker and union president, Lynch has been a steadfast advocate for labor rights and working families throughout his political career.
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Community Development: Secured over $15.1 million in federal funding for 15 community projects across Massachusetts's 8th Congressional District in 2024, focusing on infrastructure improvements, public safety, and climate resiliency.
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Veterans Support: In 2023, obtained nearly $30.5 million in funding for community projects and veterans' services within his district, emphasizing mental health support and job creation.
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STEM Education Advocacy: Promotes STEM training and career development across all educational levels to address critical skills gaps and ensure pathways to successful STEM careers for young people.
Lynch's career reflects a commitment to labor rights, community development, and education, grounded in his South Boston roots and extensive experience in both the labor sector and public service.
